The Archive (Centre For Computing History) - Computerphile
ComputerphileKey Moments
Explore a vast archive of historical computers, including prototypes and rare models, with fascinating stories.
Key Insights
The Centre for Computing History houses an extensive collection of over a thousand unique computer systems.
The archive includes rare prototypes, such as Steve Furber's early Acorn designs, and historically significant machines like the IBM PC and early Apple models.
Many machines are stored in their original packaging, with accessible items displayed or stored for viewing.
The archive features a wide range of manufacturers and operating systems, from early CP/M machines to later Acorn RISC OS and Unix-based systems.
Beyond the hardware, the stories and social impact of these machines are considered as valuable as the technology itself.
The Centre makes its collection accessible online through its website and its YouTube channels, 'Centre for Computing History' and 'Retro Tech Archive'.
THE VASTNESS OF THE ARCHIVE
The Centre for Computing History possesses an immense collection, boasting over a thousand distinct computer systems, not mere duplicates. Many are preserved in their original boxes, stored separately, while larger or particularly interesting machines are displayed or stored on shelves for viewing. This accessible part of the archive is described as storage for the 'connoisseur,' offering a chance to explore unique and rare pieces of computing history.
RARE PROTOTYPES AND EARLY DESIGNS
Among the displayed items are significant historical artifacts, including Steve Furber's prototypes that led to the BBC Micro, such as the Proton. The collection also features early Acorn systems like the System 3 and System 5. Noteworthy are machines with unique origins, like a self-designed early machine by Steve Furber, featuring components anodized in his kitchen sink, highlighting the personal dedication behind early computing.
ICONIC AND UNCOMMON MACHINES ON DISPLAY
The archive showcases a broad spectrum of computing history, from early Apple machines like the Apple IIe and its licensed clones to less common systems like ICL computers, some exhibiting screen burn from prolonged display. Early CD-ROM recorders and readers are present, contrasting sharply with today's integrated components. Prototypes like the Acorn Business Computer and Torch Unix-based machines, alongside CP/M-based systems like the Olympia, demonstrate the diverse technological paths taken.
THE EVOLUTION OF OPERATING SYSTEMS AND CLONES
The discussion delves into early operating systems and the landscape of machine cloning. CP/M is highlighted as an influential early 'disco operating system' that some believed was the basis for MS-DOS. The Apple IIe and its various forms, including licensed and potentially unlicensed clones, illustrate the early market for compatible hardware. The variety of machines, from the PET with its chiclet keyboard to powerful Silicon Graphics workstations, reflects different market segments.
INNOVATION AND NICHE MARKETS
Specialized machines like the Research Machines 480Z, Zenith Beta System with a built-in hard drive, and HP 85 for scientific use are featured. Steve Jobs' NeXT slab and cube exemplify high-end, expensive systems whose operating system influenced macOS. The presence of single-board computers like the UK 101 and NASCOM, often housed in custom wooden boxes, showcases the DIY and hobbyist aspect of early computing, pushing the boundaries of portability and customization.
THE RISE OF PORTABLE AND PERSONAL COMPUTING
The archive displays early attempts at portable computing, such as the Osborne 1, which, despite its name, was quite bulky but bundled essential software. The Compac Portable, notable for its 100% IBM PC compatibility, represents a shift towards standardized personal computing. The IBM PC itself, a departure for IBM by using Intel processors and Microsoft's OS, marked a significant entry into the personal computing market, challenging mainframe dominance.
THE LEGACY OF ACORN AND BRITISH COMPUTING
Acorn computers are heavily represented, with prototypes of the ARM processor, Archimedes models, and RISC PC systems. The unique nature of Acorn's Profit 3, essentially a portable Atom with a disc interface, and the Riscix machines for the Unix market, underscore Acorn's significant contributions. The video also touches on other British efforts, like Apricot machines, which, despite good hardware, struggled due to a lack of PC compatibility, ultimately missing their market window.
COMMUNICATIONS AND EARLY MULTIMEDIA
The evolution of communication and early multimedia is evident. Machines designed for connectivity, like the OPD with a built-in phone, and systems like the Doomsday device using laser discs for training, show early forms of digital information access. The development of multimedia on CD-ROMs, with limited video capabilities, is discussed, highlighting the significant advancements from tiny, low-resolution clips to today's high-definition content.
THE STORYTELLING ASPECT OF THE ARCHIVE
The true value of the archive extends beyond the hardware; it's about the stories and social impact these machines enabled. Donations often come with personal histories of using these computers for everything from university theses to decoding the human genome and managing large retail catalogs. These narratives reveal how these machines fundamentally changed lives, businesses, and the speed of communication, making the hardware merely an 'excuse' to share these impactful stories.
DIVERSE APPLICATIONS AND UNEXPECTED USES
The archive houses machines with unique applications, such as those used for controlling water processing plants and dam water flow, or systems that facilitated scientific research, including the decoding of the human genome. Even seemingly mundane items like the Grattan catalog data entry system or early word processors like the IBM Display Writer highlight how computing permeated various aspects of business and daily life, often in ways not immediately apparent today.
PRESERVATION AND DIGITAL ACCESSIBILITY
The Centre for Computing History actively preserves not only the machines but also their original boxes, manuals, and software, often storing them separately to maintain optimal condition. To make this vast collection accessible, a comprehensive website lists every item, allowing users to locate specific machines. Furthermore, the Centre maintains two YouTube channels, 'Centre for Computing History' and 'Retro Tech Archive,' offering visual tours and discussions of the hardware.
OBSCURITIES AND UNIQUE SOLUTIONS
Among the many exhibits are peculiar machines and innovative, sometimes quirky, solutions. The Nexa Sorcerer's use of modified 8-track cassette tapes for its ROM cartridges is a prime example of resourceful, low-production-run manufacturing. Similarly, custom-built wooden cases for early home computers like the NASCOMs and UK 101 demonstrate the ingenuity of users adapting available technology to their needs and budgets, often with unique ventilation or access designs.
Mentioned in This Episode
●Products
●Software & Apps
●Companies
●Organizations
●Concepts
●People Referenced
Common Questions
The archive is a section of the museum containing machines too large for boxes, offering storage that visitors can explore. It complements the museum's main collection, which holds over a thousand different independent systems.
Topics
Mentioned in this video
Company whose powerful and expensive machines are often sourced from universities or high-end systems.
Company whose early machines, like the AS100, are displayed.
Company associated with an early PC.
Mentioned as the creator of a prototype machine that led to the BBC Micro.
The computer found inside the OPD, enhanced with plug-in cartridges.
Rare Acorn machines from the later period of the company.
The museum's YouTube channel, where more machines are featured.
A dedicated word processor system that later evolved into software.
Company known for making PCs, although not widely known.
A large catalog in the UK used for mail-order purchases, data for which was entered on a museum machine.
A word processing file type mentioned in the context of floppy disk sharing.
Company associated with a data printer/terminal.
An operating system used on Acorn's more powerful machines aimed at the Unix market.
Systems used to decode the human genome.
A system using a Philips laser display connected to a BBC Micro for training.
A game considered impressive on early PCs.
Associated with a system displayed along with Diablo.
A graphics standard mentioned regarding early PC games.
Company with several business machines and later PCs (286s) featured.
Company that produced the Compaq Portable, 100% compatible with the IBM PC.
Source of machines used in the museum collection.
Mentioned as the creator of his very first machine, entirely homedesigned.
A 'quick and dirty operating system' mentioned as a copy of CPM.
A company that produced computers for educational use in the UK, like the 480Z.
Company known for networking things for the BBC Micro.
A computer designed for desks with a built-in phone and modem for BBS access.
Company that produced computers, initially non-PC compatible, later a Chameleon model that was more compatible.
A game noted for its brilliant animation.
A CPM-based machine nearly identical to the Enigma.
One of the first popular portable computers, known for its small screen and bundled software.
An early Commodore computer, noted for its chiclet keyboard and built-in cassette deck.
Steve Jobs' company after Apple, which produced the 'slab' and the 'cube' machines.
Mentioned again as a single-board computer people built into cases.
A computer built into a large wooden box, likely CPM-based.
A network machine produced by Research Machines, common in UK schools.
Hewlett-Packard machines popular for scientific work.
Company whose professional systems and Alpha machines are mentioned.
Company that rebranded a communications computer as the BT Merlin Tonto.
An Apricot computer model that was more PC compatible.
A large machine with a built-in screen and drives.
A British computer company known for early home computers and prototypes.
Computers often found built into wooden boxes.
A computer model, with different front panel versions and a 'turnkey' version.
A secondary YouTube channel associated with the museum.
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